How To Make Your Razor Blades Last Longer & How Often To Change Them

We take pride in the fact that there’s no such thing as an unreliable razor from Wilkinson Sword. Whether you opt for a game-changing innovation like the Hydro 5 range, or prefer to do things the old-fashioned way with our Classic Double Edge razor, our centuries of expertise in blade-making mean your skin is in the sturdiest hands possible.

Our carefully designed razors have years of history behind them, and while that means you’ve chosen well, it also means that – like a classic car or a fine wine – you’ve got to handle your razor properly in order to get the most out of it. Both electric shavers and razors need to be cared for. Take good care of your razor and it’ll take good care of you. By following our five tips for handling and storage, you’ll ensure your razor has an even longer life as your trusty shaving companion.

1. How to clean a razor

Whether you've shaved your head, your face or even shaved your chest hair, it’s essential to cleanse your razor thoroughly after, and we’re not just talking about an occasional dip under the tap when you remember to. Rinse it under running water not only when you’ve finished shaving but also between strokes. This makes sure that hair, skin flakes, foam residue and other nasty bits and pieces are promptly removed, which keeps the blade at its sharpest for as long as possible. However, don’t be tempted to knock it against the sink in order to get hairs out as this does real damage to the blades.

2. Storing your razor correctly

It’s not much use cleaning your razor properly if you’re not going to store it in the right place. Unfortunately for fans of ultra-convenience, the right place is not the shower. We understand that it’s important to have a reliable razor within easy reach when you need it most – and as you feel your way soapy-eyed around the shower, having a razor handy next to your shampoo bottles probably keeps things simple. But just think of the rust.

If the razor is permanently exposed to moisture, this will swiftly damage the blades and they’ll soon stop performing their job. So in order to keep your razor as dry as possible when it’s not in use, stash it away somewhere like the bathroom cupboard, or install a razor holder on the bathroom wall.

3. How often should you change your razor blades?

Many of us stretch razor blades to within an inch of their life, only acknowledging that they probably do need to be changed long after they’ve delivered their last great shave. But only a clean, sharp blade in tip-top condition can give you the close, comfortable shave your after – if you’ve got anything else in your hand, you might as well not bother.

On average razors need to be changed after ten shaves, but there are a few early warning signs of a waning razor to look out for – a feeling of dullness, difficult-to-remove gel residue between blades or visible rust. Once those start to appear, the bin is the only place for your blade.

4. Protect the blades

Protecting your skin is priority number one when you’re shaving – and a reliable razor will help you do exactly that – but spare a thought for your blades. They need their fair share of protection too, and looking after them will help them last for longer.

Adapt your shaving routine to ensure that both you and your razor blades are fully protected. Take a warm shower before shaving, as the water will open the pores and make the hair softer, meaning less resistance to the razor and an easier job for all involved. Make sure you use a good-quality shaving foam for a smooth shave – or even better, you can choose a razor with an integrated gel reservoir like those in our Hydro Silk range.

5. Don't share your razor with others

Sharing might be caring, but not when it comes to shaving. Maybe you’ve found yourself facing a shaving emergency one morning and been tempted to grab that spare, unclaimed razor in the shower for a few strokes of the leg. But if the razor is split, it’s hard to know that it’s been properly cleaned, especially when you’re not sure where and how it was last used. Keep things safe and hygienic and stick strictly to your own trusty razor.